Rapids acquire Argentinian playmaker Martin Rivero

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Thursday, February 16, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids announced on Thursday that the club has acquired on loan midfielder Martín Rivero, a 22-year-old playmaker most recently with Rosario Central in his native Argentina. Rivero will be added to the roster as an international player pending receipt of his P-1 work visa, International Transfer Certificate, and a physical, and is expected to join the club before the team’s trip to Hawaii. Per league and team policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

“Martín is a young, dynamic player with a great deal of potential,” said Colorado Rapids Head Coach Oscar Pareja. “His creativity and technical ability will give us more options in attack, and we’re excited to welcome him to the club.”

A native of Roldan, Santa Fe, Argentina, Rivero made his Argentinian first division debut with Rosario Central in 2008 at the age of 18, having come up through the youth ranks at the club. Rivero played sparingly with the club until the 2010-11 season, when he made 30 appearances (16 starts) and scored four goals with the club in the Argentine second division. He established himself as a starter throughout the first half of the 2011-12 season before joining the Rapids.